Eid 2020: Eid-ul-Fitr is one of the most significant festivals celebrated by Muslims around the world, and Muslims in Gulf countries are waiting eagerly for a glimpse of the crescent moon to begin their celebrations.

Eid-ul-Fitr is one of the most significant festivals celebrated by Muslims around the world, it takes place on the first day of the month of Shawaal and marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk for arouns 29-30 days.

Other than spiritually, Ramadan and Eid have a lot of social aspects too, however this year government mandated lockdowns on account of the coronavirus pandemic have put a halt to all of these including community iftars, prayers, gatherings, etc. While the day of Eid is determined by the sighting of the moon, the calendar holiday for Eid ul-Fitr in India is on May 25. On this day Muslims are forbidden from fasting, they wear new clothes, pray together, greet each other with hugs and wishes of ‘Eid Mubarak’ and have a feast with their close friends and family.

Given the economic problems due to the pandemic as well, the festival which is all about gifts and sharing may be a bit grim this year. In Gulf countries, the Ramadan moon was sighted on April 23 and they have been fasting since April 24. Usually both Ramadan and Eid take place a day before in these countries. According to a Gulf News report, the UAE government has set up a moon-sighting committee which will hold a virtual meeting under the chairmanship of UAE’s Justice Minister in the evening.

In Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Gazette reported that, astronomers at Riyadh’s Majmaah University’s observatory confirmed on Thursday that the crescent moon for the month of Shawwal won’t be seen until Friday. The report said, “According to the scientific calculations that were published on the astronomical observatory site that sun will set at 6.39 pm at 293 degrees, and the moon will set at 6.26 pm Friday, Ramadan 29, and this means the moon will set 13 minutes before the sunset.”

Fry vermicelli in hot ghee. Pour in milk. Allow it to simmer for two minutes. Add sugar and continue cooking until sugar dissolves. Stir in saffron, khoya, raisins and nuts. Decorate with silver leaf, remaining saffron and dried fruit.

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Eid Ul Fitr to be celebrated on May 25 as moon could not be sighted today: Delhi’s Jama Masjid’s Shahi Imam, Syed Ahmed Bukhari

#EidUlFitr to be celebrated on May 25 as moon could not be sighted today. It's important that we take precautions&maintain social distancing. We should stay away from shaking hands & hugging. We should follow govt's guidelines: Delhi's Jama Masjid's Shahi Imam, Syed Ahmed Bukhari pic.twitter.com/QWyN7yxt3D

How to celebrate Eid amid lockdown 4.0

Here are some ways in which you can celebrate Eid, have plenty of fun, while also practising social distancing and respecting the lockdown. Read more

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How to say Eid prayers

The Eid prayer has two rak’ahs, however, it has extra ‘takbeers’. Takbeer refers to when “Allah-Hu- Akbar” is said to begin the prayer and one raises the hands to the ears, it is an Arabic word. During normal prayers, ‘takbeer’ is said only once, but for the Eid prayer, you have to say ‘takbeer’ 12 times in two rak’ahs. In mosques, it is the Imam who delivers the khutbah (sermon) of Eid, however, that is not allowed when the prayer is performed at home. Read more here

Saudi Arabia, UAE mosques to stay closed for Eid prayers

Mosques will remain closed for prayers on the Eid Al-Fitr festival, Saudi and United Arab Emirates officials said on Friday, calling on the population to adhere to safety guidelines to avoid the spread of the novel coronavirus. Read more

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Kerala Governor Shri Arif Mohammed Khan wishes Keralites all over the world on Eid Ul Fitr

Jafrabad locals say that they will celebrate Eid Al Fitr keeping in mind all guidelines and norms, amid lockdown 4

People in Jafrabad area of North-East Delhi say that they will celebrate #EidAlFitr keeping in mind all guidelines & norms, amid #lockdown4. Locals say, "Protecting ourselves from #coronavirus is our responsibility, we will follow all guidelines & offer prayers at home". pic.twitter.com/ZnfunoWgO0

Kerala Muslims to celebrate Eid on Sunday, May 24

Muslims across Kerala will celebrate Eid ul-Fitr on Sunday, clerics from the community said on Friday. Read more.

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In Kerala, lesser people seen making purchases today at SM street market in Kozhikode ahead of Eid festival

Kerala: People in less numbers were seen making purchases today at SM street market in Kozhikode ahead of Eid festival amid #COVID19 lockdown. Syed,a shop owner says, "There is less footfall now. Even though Eid festival is around the corner, there is only 10% sales due to COVID" pic.twitter.com/Qp8HQmJaHh